What makes Münster so special?
A unique blend of science, business, and lifestyle. This page explains why the United Nations believes Münster to be the "most livable city in the world" and why the city obtains additional prizes virtually every year.
Münster in the press
One cannot deny, that there are opposing viewpoints about Münster. The journalist and book author Klaus Baumeister charaterises it as 'Germany's tiniest village'. The jury member of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) awarded Münster the LivCom award in 2004 for being the most liveable community of its size in the world.
Perhaps some press quotations could solves the conflicting opinions? In 2007 the magazine "Wirtschaftswoche" and the "Initiative für neue soziale Marktwirtschaft" carried out a ranking and concluded that Münster is one of the top-ten cities in Germany - Ranked 4 out of 50 participating communities. Compared to other large cities within North-Rhine-Westphalia it places itself way ahead of Düsseldorf, Cologne and Dortmund and won first place.
According to the newspaper “Rheinische Post”, Münster is a city you will never forget. Not like chewing gum that sticks to a favourite hoodie, but rather like a recollection of a person who initially seems a little ordinary and local. On closer inspection, though, it appears to be straightforward, reassuring, and full of raw humour. (May 8, 2008)
Münster – A city portrait
Münster – the ideal city for living and working
You immediately recognise three characteristics of Münster when you first visit the city: the beautiful historic city centre, the incredible numbers of bicycles and the many young people. One cannot imagine the University City Münster which is both, traditional and innovative, without its almost 50.000 students that give the city its typical flair. However, Münster doesn't look back on a long tradition in research and education only, but also on one as an important center for trade, service and management in the entire area of Westphalia, where more than 1,5 million people live.
Looking toward the future as a tradition
Anyone who started their university career with the registration in the old baroque-style “Schloss”, later attended lectures in the modern Leonardo-Campus and visited one of the many pubs, will find it impossible to resist the charm of the university and the city with its unique flair. Over 1,200 years of Münster’s urban history are reflected in the medieval layout of the Old Town and in its many historic buildings. Historic buildings, latest architecture, modern art sculptures – this mixture brings the historic city centre to life. Among Münster’s outstanding qualities are also the city’s abundant greenery—epitomized by the *Promenade*, a green ring encircling the Old Town—and its setting amidst the charming park-like landscape of the Münsterland region.
"Most livable community"
Today, the Westphalian metropolis presents itself as a city of universities with international renown and as the home of innovative centers for research and technology transfer. These scientific potentials form an important basis for future-oriented economic development. Many young people, numerous university-affiliated institutions, and a diverse and vibrant cultural scene shape the unmistakable atmosphere of the city.
The diverse cultural program with open-air cinemas, concerts, theaters, and museums offers a wide range of leisure activities. Not least thanks to the students, Münster's nightlife is legendary. In addition to the Creative Quay at the Dortmund-Ems Canal with its trendy bars, the charming old town with its traditional student pubs and hip nightclubs also invites you to turn night into day.
All these factors make Münster lovable and worth living in. It was almost a logical consequence that Münster was awarded the "most livable city in the world" at the LivCom Award 2004 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). But this is not the only award Münster is proud of: further awards.
Links
- Münster for students - Information of the University of Münster for students
- Official Website - City of Münster
- Münster Marketing - touristic offers
- Münster geht aus - local restaurant guide
- Radstation - explore the city with a rental bike
- Stadtwerke Münster - includes an online bus schedule
- Theater Münster - theater